At a glance
- Speed limit
- 40km/h in school zones during the times on the school zone signs
- Usual times
- Most school zones operate 8am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm
- Days
- All notified school days; not weekends, public holidays or public school holidays
- Term 4 2026
- Tuesday 13 October to Thursday 17 December (inclusive)
- Non-standard times
- Shown on red or orange school zone signs
- 30km/h
- School zones inside the Manly High Pedestrian Activity Area also operate at 30km/h
- Penalties
- Increased fines and demerit points apply for certain school zone offences
In NSW, drivers must obey the 40km/h school zone speed limit during the times shown on the school zone signs, according to Transport for NSW. Most school zones operate from 8am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm on notified school days, and Term 4 2026 runs from Tuesday 13 October to Thursday 17 December inclusive.
This guide sets out the times, which days count, the Term 4 dates, how to spot the exceptions, and what Transport for NSW says about penalties, as shown on its school zones page, read on Friday 23 October 2026. Times are Sydney time.
What are the usual school zone times?
Transport for NSW says most school zones operate 8am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm. There are a few non-standard school zone times in NSW, and you can identify these by the red or orange school zone signs, which have the school zone times on them. Every school zone in NSW has at least one school zone flashing light sign. The 40km/h limit is there to protect children on their way to and from school, and it lowers the risk and potential severity of a crash, according to the page. School zone signs, dragon’s teeth road markings and flashing lights improve visibility and driver awareness.
Which days do school zones apply?
The 40km/h limit is in force on all notified school days. Transport for NSW says these exclude weekends, public holidays and public school holidays. School zones also apply on school development days (pupil-free days), because some students may still attend school on those days.
| 2026 term | Notified school days (inclusive) | School development days |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1, Eastern Division | Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April | Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 January |
| Term 1, Western Division | Monday 9 February to Thursday 2 April | Tuesday 3 to Friday 6 February |
| Term 2, Eastern and Western | Wednesday 22 April to Friday 3 July | Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 April |
| Term 3, Eastern and Western | Tuesday 21 July to Friday 25 September | Monday 20 July |
| Term 4, Eastern and Western | Tuesday 13 October to Thursday 17 December | Monday 12 October |
The page lists 2026 dates only. It points to the NSW Department of Education website for more on school term dates, and does not list 2027 dates, so check there for next year. Term 1 dates differ between the Eastern and Western Divisions.
What is different in Manly?
The NSW Government is installing High Pedestrian Activity Area speed zones of 30km/h to support the community and improve safety. The Manly High Pedestrian Activity Area has several school zones within the 30km/h zones, and those school zones also operate at 30km/h. Orange 30km/h school zone signs and road markings alert drivers to this, according to Transport for NSW.
What are the penalties?
Transport for NSW says increased fines and demerit points apply for certain school zone offences. Illegal use of mobile phones and speeding are among the offences included in double demerit periods. The page does not list fine amounts or points, and it refers readers to its fines and demerit point offences information, so check there for the current figures before relying on any amount you see elsewhere.
Quick checklist for Term 4
- Slow to 40km/h when you see a school zone sign during the times shown, usually 8am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm.
- Watch for red or orange signs showing different times, and flashing lights at the zone.
- Remember that school development days count as school zone days.
- Do not use a mobile phone illegally; it is among the offences in double demerit periods.
- In the Manly 30km/h zone, school zones also operate at 30km/h.
Sources
- Transport for NSW — School zones (read 23 October 2026)
Featured image: Fort Street Public School, Sydney (photo: DPdH / CC BY-SA 3.0) (text added)
OZ Local Updates is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with Transport for NSW. Rules, dates and penalties can change; check the official page above and the signs at each school.